The two-time tourist returned home in April from his short stint with the Stormers in South Africa amid the coronavirus pandemic, having left Cardiff Blues for Racing 92 in 2013.
Newport-born Roberts has also enjoyed spells at Harlequins and Bath Rugby but the 33-year-old will now call Rodney Parade his home after putting pen to paper on a new deal.
Capped 94 time by Wales, Roberts was named the Lions Player of the Series on the Tour to South Africa in 2009 before being selected again four years later to face Australia.
His move to Dragons will see him join forces with current Welsh internationals and recent recruits Jonah Holmes and Nick Tompkins, with Roberts hoping to revitalise Dragons’ fortunes.
“When I left Wales in 2013 to play my rugby outside my home country, I always promised myself that I’d endeavour to return and play in Wales again,” said Roberts.
“Having had some wonderful experiences playing across three of the world’s top leagues in France, England and South Africa, I’m delighted to return to Wales to play with the Dragons and compete once again in the Guinness PRO14 and next season’s Champions Cup.
Always promised myself when I left Wales in 2013 that I’d endeavor to return to play in Gods Country. Delighted and grateful to be given that opportunity this season with @dragonsrugby
Exciting things happening at the club. Look forward to helping the club grow on and off field pic.twitter.com/8jprv2GjGE
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) August 3, 2020
“I’m sincerely grateful for having this opportunity, especially given the current climate we find ourselves in. I’m very proud and grateful to have achieved a lot of what I set out to achieve in the game and now is a perfect time for me to help many of these young Dragons achieve theirs, as a collective and individually.
“When I sat down with Dean and looked through the Dragons squad, it was evident that there is enormous potential amongst the playing group.
“Although a handful are established internationals, a significant number of the group are not far off that level and I hope any experience I may be able to pass on can help them fulfil their potential.
“The opportunity to compete against the best Europe has to offer in the Champions Cup is exciting and I look forward to helping the region develop on the field as well as off it.
“Rugby in Wales finds itself in turbulent times, yet from crisis comes opportunity and I’m excited to help the sport win its way back to becoming the heartbeat of its people.
“Before playing through the junior ranks in Cardiff from the age of 15, my love for the game was born on the terraces of Rodney Parade.
“My Dad, Norman, has been a lifelong Newport Rugby supporter and for many years my brother and I would frequent the terraces on weekends and harness our love for the game I’ve been so fortunate to play professionally. No one would be prouder than him that I’m coming to represent the rugby supporters of Gwent.
“There has always been something very special about a packed out Rodney Parade and it’s something I’m looking forward to experiencing first hand on the pitch this season.”
Roberts made his full debut for Cardiff Blues in 2007 and made 86 appearances for the region during six seasons before moving to France in 2013.
He made his Wales debut in the 2008 Six Nations against Scotland, winning the Grand Slam in the same year and 2012, as well as lifting the Championship title again in 2013.
A qualified doctor after graduating from Cardiff University School of Medicine, Roberts has also appeared at two World Cup and Dean Ryan believes his experience could be key for Dragons.
Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “It’s great news that we are bringing someone of Jamie’s quality to the region and we know he will make an immediate impact for us.
“He remains an ambitious and driven player and is looking forward to coming into our environment.
“To have his experience on the pitch will be a great addition to us and he will also be an excellent mentor for the younger players in our squad.”
